The novel's ostensible story is secondary to the description of relationships within a small Southern-Italian community. Vailland makes us understand how everyone, monarchist lord of the manor, the amorous Donna Lucrezia, the wealthy racketeer, and the landless day-labourer, are all affected by the ancient complexities of an hierarchical society.
The novel's ostensible story is secondary to the description of relationships within a small Southern-Italian community. Vailland makes us understand how everyone, monarchist lord of the manor, the amorous Donna Lucrezia, the wealthy racketeer, and the landless day-labourer, are all affected by the ancient complexities of an hierarchical society.
